Mississippi
Department of Education 1999 Annual Report
The Mississippi Assessment System
Mississippi Norm-Referenced Assessment
Overview
225,550 students were tested using these
assessments in the 1997-98 school year. First used in Mississippi in the
fall of 1994, the ITBS/TAP includes both multiple choice (Reading, Mathematics,
and Language Arts) and performance (Integrated Language Arts and Mathematics)
components. The assessments emphasize basic and higher order thinking skills
and are aligned with the Mississippi curriculum to promote effective changes
in instruction. Average scores in these assessments have increased significantly
since 1994.
Purpose
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The Mississippi Norm-Referenced Assessment
provides a statewide assessment program that supports effective classroom
instruction.
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The norm-referenced data can be reported and
used for the accountability of local school districts.
Type of Assessment
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The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) is administered
in grades four through eight. The Tests of Achievement TAP) is administered
in grade nine. These assessments include both selected response and constructed
response items
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The ITBS/TAP and the accompanying performance
assessments are nationally normed and based on standards endorsed at both
the state and national levels.
Administration
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All eligible students in grades 4 through
nine are tested as required by MS Code 37-16-3 and the Mississippi State
Board of Education (See process standard 32 of the Accreditation Requirements
of the State Board of Education.)
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The ITBS/TAP and the accompanying performance
assessments are in administered annually in the fall. The October 1998
administration will be the fifth and final administration under the current
contract.
Reporting/Use of Data
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The reported data allow for a comparison of
student achievement at the national level.
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Data are reported at the student, class, school,
district, and state levels and can be used to identify both strengths and
weaknesses in student achievement; such data can then be used to foster
improvement in instructional programs.
Revised August 1998
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